Clinical Practice Guidelines
2.0.0-ballot - ballot International flag

This page is part of the Clinical Guidelines (v2.0.0-ballot: STU2 Ballot 1) based on FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) R4. The current version which supersedes this version is 1.0.0. For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: CPGGroupDefinition - Detailed Descriptions

Active as of 2023-12-19

Definitions for the cpg-groupdefinition resource profile.

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

0. Group
Invariantsgdf-1: Group definition must have either an expression or characteristics, but not both (extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/cqf-expression').exists() xor characteristic.exists())
2. Group.extension
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Group.extension. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
4. Group.extension:expression
Slice Nameexpression
Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: gdf-1
TypeExtension(CQF Expression) (Extension Type: Expression)
Must Supporttrue
6. Group.identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Must Supporttrue
8. Group.active
Must Supporttrue
10. Group.type
Must Supporttrue
Fixed Valueperson
12. Group.actual
Must Supporttrue
Fixed Valuefalse
14. Group.code
Must Supporttrue
16. Group.name
Control1..?
Must Supporttrue
18. Group.characteristic
Must Supporttrue
20. Group.member
Control0..0

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

0. Group
Definition

Represents a defined collection of entities that may be discussed or acted upon collectively but which are not expected to act collectively, and are not formally or legally recognized; i.e. a collection of entities that isn't an Organization.

ShortGroup of multiple entities
Comments

If both Group.characteristic and Group.member are present, then the members are the individuals who were found who met the characteristic. It's possible that there might be other candidate members who meet the characteristic and aren't (yet) in the list. All members SHALL have the listed characteristics.

Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
grp-1: Can only have members if group is "actual" (member.empty() or (actual = true))
gdf-1: Group definition must have either an expression or characteristics, but not both (extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/cqf-expression').exists() xor characteristic.exists())
grp-1: Can only have members if group is "actual" (member.empty() or (actual = true))
2. Group.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
4. Group.extension
Definition

An Extension


May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

ShortExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Group.extension. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
6. Group.extension:expression
Slice Nameexpression
Definition

An expression that, when evaluated, provides the value for the element on which it appears.

ShortAn dynamic expression
Comments

For questionnaires, see additional guidance and examples in the SDC implementation guide.

Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: gdf-1
TypeExtension(CQF Expression) (Extension Type: Expression)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
8. Group.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
10. Group.identifier
Definition

A unique business identifier for this group.

ShortUnique id
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the group to be referenced from external specifications.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
12. Group.active
Definition

Indicates whether the record for the group is available for use or is merely being retained for historical purposes.

ShortWhether this group's record is in active use
Control0..1
Typeboolean
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to be able to mark a group record as not to be used because it was created in error or is otherwise no longer available (e.g. a herd that no longer exists).

Meaning if MissingThis resource is generally assumed to be active if no value is provided for the active element
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
14. Group.type
Definition

Identifies the broad classification of the kind of resources the group includes.

Shortperson | animal | practitioner | device | medication | substance
Comments

Group members SHALL be of the appropriate resource type (Patient for person or animal; or Practitioner, Device, Medication or Substance for the other types.).

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from GroupTypehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/group-type|4.0.1

Types of resources that are part of group.

Typecode
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Identifies what type of resources the group is made up of.

Fixed Valueperson
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
16. Group.actual
Definition

If true, indicates that the resource refers to a specific group of real individuals. If false, the group defines a set of intended individuals.

ShortDescriptive or actual
Control1..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: grp-1
Typeboolean
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

There are use-cases for groups that define specific collections of individuals, and other groups that define "types" of intended individuals. The requirements for both kinds of groups are similar, so we use a single resource, distinguished by this flag.

Fixed Valuefalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
18. Group.code
Definition

Provides a specific type of resource the group includes; e.g. "cow", "syringe", etc.

ShortKind of Group members
Comments

This would generally be omitted for Person resources.

Control0..1
Binding

Kind of particular resource; e.g. cow, syringe, lake, etc.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
20. Group.name
Definition

A label assigned to the group for human identification and communication.

ShortLabel for Group
Control10..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Used to identify the group in human communication.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. Group.characteristic
Definition

Identifies traits whose presence r absence is shared by members of the group.

ShortInclude / Exclude group members by Trait
Comments

All the identified characteristics must be true for an entity to a member of the group.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: gdf-1
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Needs to be a generic mechanism for identifying what individuals can be part of a group.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. Group.characteristic.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
Summarytrue
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
26. Group.characteristic.code
Definition

A code that identifies the kind of trait being asserted.

ShortKind of characteristic
Control1..1
Binding

List of characteristics used to describe group members; e.g. gender, age, owner, location, etc.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Need a formal way of identifying the characteristic being described.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
28. Group.characteristic.value[x]
Definition

The value of the trait that holds (or does not hold - see 'exclude') for members of the group.

ShortValue held by characteristic
Comments

For Range, it means members of the group have a value that falls somewhere within the specified range.

Control1..1
Binding

Value of descriptive member characteristic; e.g. red, male, pneumonia, Caucasian, etc.

TypeChoice of: CodeableConcept, boolean, Quantity, Range, Reference
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Requirements

The value of the characteristic is what determines group membership.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
30. Group.characteristic.exclude
Definition

If true, indicates the characteristic is one that is NOT held by members of the group.

ShortGroup includes or excludes
Comments

This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications cannot wrongly include excluded members as included or vice versa.

Control1..1
Typeboolean
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Sometimes group membership is determined by characteristics not possessed.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
32. Group.member
Definition

Identifies the resource instances that are members of the group.

ShortWho or what is in group
Control0..0*
This element is affected by the following invariants: grp-1
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Often the only thing of interest about a group is "who's in it".

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

0. Group
Definition

Represents a defined collection of entities that may be discussed or acted upon collectively but which are not expected to act collectively, and are not formally or legally recognized; i.e. a collection of entities that isn't an Organization.

ShortGroup of multiple entities
Comments

If both Group.characteristic and Group.member are present, then the members are the individuals who were found who met the characteristic. It's possible that there might be other candidate members who meet the characteristic and aren't (yet) in the list. All members SHALL have the listed characteristics.

Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
grp-1: Can only have members if group is "actual" (member.empty() or (actual = true))
gdf-1: Group definition must have either an expression or characteristics, but not both (extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/cqf-expression').exists() xor characteristic.exists())
2. Group.id
Definition

The logical id of the resource, as used in the URL for the resource. Once assigned, this value never changes.

ShortLogical id of this artifact
Comments

The only time that a resource does not have an id is when it is being submitted to the server using a create operation.

Control0..1
Typeid
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
4. Group.meta
Definition

The metadata about the resource. This is content that is maintained by the infrastructure. Changes to the content might not always be associated with version changes to the resource.

ShortMetadata about the resource
Control0..1
TypeMeta
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
6. Group.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
8. Group.language
Definition

The base language in which the resource is written.

ShortLanguage of the resource content
Comments

Language is provided to support indexing and accessibility (typically, services such as text to speech use the language tag). The html language tag in the narrative applies to the narrative. The language tag on the resource may be used to specify the language of other presentations generated from the data in the resource. Not all the content has to be in the base language. The Resource.language should not be assumed to apply to the narrative automatically. If a language is specified, it should it also be specified on the div element in the html (see rules in HTML5 for information about the relationship between xml:lang and the html lang attribute).

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages

A human language.

Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguagesMax Binding
Typecode
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
10. Group.text
Definition

A human-readable narrative that contains a summary of the resource and can be used to represent the content of the resource to a human. The narrative need not encode all the structured data, but is required to contain sufficient detail to make it "clinically safe" for a human to just read the narrative. Resource definitions may define what content should be represented in the narrative to ensure clinical safety.

ShortText summary of the resource, for human interpretation
Comments

Contained resources do not have narrative. Resources that are not contained SHOULD have a narrative. In some cases, a resource may only have text with little or no additional discrete data (as long as all minOccurs=1 elements are satisfied). This may be necessary for data from legacy systems where information is captured as a "text blob" or where text is additionally entered raw or narrated and encoded information is added later.

Control0..1
TypeNarrative
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesnarrative, html, xhtml, display
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
12. Group.contained
Definition

These resources do not have an independent existence apart from the resource that contains them - they cannot be identified independently, and nor can they have their own independent transaction scope.

ShortContained, inline Resources
Comments

This should never be done when the content can be identified properly, as once identification is lost, it is extremely difficult (and context dependent) to restore it again. Contained resources may have profiles and tags In their meta elements, but SHALL NOT have security labels.

Control0..*
TypeResource
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesinline resources, anonymous resources, contained resources
14. Group.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Group.extension. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
16. Group.extension:expression
Slice Nameexpression
Definition

An expression that, when evaluated, provides the value for the element on which it appears.

ShortAn dynamic expression
Comments

For questionnaires, see additional guidance and examples in the SDC implementation guide.

Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: gdf-1
TypeExtension(CQF Expression) (Extension Type: Expression)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
18. Group.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
20. Group.identifier
Definition

A unique business identifier for this group.

ShortUnique id
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the group to be referenced from external specifications.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. Group.active
Definition

Indicates whether the record for the group is available for use or is merely being retained for historical purposes.

ShortWhether this group's record is in active use
Control0..1
Typeboolean
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to be able to mark a group record as not to be used because it was created in error or is otherwise no longer available (e.g. a herd that no longer exists).

Meaning if MissingThis resource is generally assumed to be active if no value is provided for the active element
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. Group.type
Definition

Identifies the broad classification of the kind of resources the group includes.

Shortperson | animal | practitioner | device | medication | substance
Comments

Group members SHALL be of the appropriate resource type (Patient for person or animal; or Practitioner, Device, Medication or Substance for the other types.).

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from GroupType

Types of resources that are part of group.

Typecode
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Identifies what type of resources the group is made up of.

Fixed Valueperson
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. Group.actual
Definition

If true, indicates that the resource refers to a specific group of real individuals. If false, the group defines a set of intended individuals.

ShortDescriptive or actual
Control1..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: grp-1
Typeboolean
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

There are use-cases for groups that define specific collections of individuals, and other groups that define "types" of intended individuals. The requirements for both kinds of groups are similar, so we use a single resource, distinguished by this flag.

Fixed Valuefalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
28. Group.code
Definition

Provides a specific type of resource the group includes; e.g. "cow", "syringe", etc.

ShortKind of Group members
Comments

This would generally be omitted for Person resources.

Control0..1
Binding

Kind of particular resource; e.g. cow, syringe, lake, etc.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
30. Group.name
Definition

A label assigned to the group for human identification and communication.

ShortLabel for Group
Control1..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Used to identify the group in human communication.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
32. Group.quantity
Definition

A count of the number of resource instances that are part of the group.

ShortNumber of members
Comments

Note that the quantity may be less than the number of members if some of the members are not active.

Control0..1
TypeunsignedInt
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Group size is a common defining characteristic.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
34. Group.managingEntity
Definition

Entity responsible for defining and maintaining Group characteristics and/or registered members.

ShortEntity that is the custodian of the Group's definition
Comments

This does not strictly align with ownership of a herd or flock, but may suffice to represent that relationship in simple cases. More complex cases will require an extension.

Control0..1
TypeReference(Organization, RelatedPerson, Practitioner, PractitionerRole)
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
36. Group.characteristic
Definition

Identifies traits whose presence r absence is shared by members of the group.

ShortInclude / Exclude group members by Trait
Comments

All the identified characteristics must be true for an entity to a member of the group.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: gdf-1
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Needs to be a generic mechanism for identifying what individuals can be part of a group.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
38. Group.characteristic.id
Definition

Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
40. Group.characteristic.extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
42. Group.characteristic.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
Summarytrue
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
44. Group.characteristic.code
Definition

A code that identifies the kind of trait being asserted.

ShortKind of characteristic
Control1..1
Binding

List of characteristics used to describe group members; e.g. gender, age, owner, location, etc.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Need a formal way of identifying the characteristic being described.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
46. Group.characteristic.value[x]
Definition

The value of the trait that holds (or does not hold - see 'exclude') for members of the group.

ShortValue held by characteristic
Comments

For Range, it means members of the group have a value that falls somewhere within the specified range.

Control1..1
Binding

Value of descriptive member characteristic; e.g. red, male, pneumonia, Caucasian, etc.

TypeChoice of: CodeableConcept, boolean, Quantity, Range, Reference
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Requirements

The value of the characteristic is what determines group membership.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
48. Group.characteristic.exclude
Definition

If true, indicates the characteristic is one that is NOT held by members of the group.

ShortGroup includes or excludes
Comments

This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications cannot wrongly include excluded members as included or vice versa.

Control1..1
Typeboolean
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Sometimes group membership is determined by characteristics not possessed.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
50. Group.characteristic.period
Definition

The period over which the characteristic is tested; e.g. the patient had an operation during the month of June.

ShortPeriod over which characteristic is tested
Control0..1
TypePeriod
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
52. Group.member
Definition

Identifies the resource instances that are members of the group.

ShortWho or what is in group
Control0..0
This element is affected by the following invariants: grp-1
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Often the only thing of interest about a group is "who's in it".

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))